He's a battle-hardened knight; she's from the modern world.
He has faced the unthinkable, while she was sheltered in comfort.
His body and soul bear scars, but she still believes in wonders.
He seeks redemption and peace, and she craves true love.
B...
In the evening, Elizabeth and Dan were settled into separate fairy houses, each with a beautiful garden. Elizabeth's dwelling was close to Edward and Niamh's, and was similar in style, though it lacked the second storey.
She jumped onto the softest bed and enjoyed a bath filled with flowers. Niamh provided her with dresses and everything she might need. Elizabeth spent time walking in the fairy gardens, carefully avoiding areas where she might run into Dan. She wasn't sure why, but she now felt a strong need to keep her distance from him.
One thing she found especially delightful was a swing near her house, its ropes entwined with ivy and flowers. Hidden in the farthest corner of the garden, the swing became her favourite spot, and she spent quite a lot of time there, taking a respite from Dan's company.
Meanwhile, William seemed to have disappeared. Elizabeth often wondered where he was, but she didn't dare ask Niamh or Edward about him. She usually saw the couple when she played with their children, who had become quite fond of her. Despite their differences in appearance, the children behaved much like any human children would.
On their fourth morning in Iorlainn, Elizabeth gathered her courage to ask Niamh about William. "Has Sir William... left us?" She tried to sound casual.
Niamh gave her a friendly, comforting smile. "No, he's here. His house is near yours. It is strange you haven't seen him." Then Niamh's expression brightened with an idea. "Wait! Edward is heading over there now. Would you like to accompany him?"
Elizabeth paused, feeling torn inside. "No, thank you. Maybe another time." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she thought Niamh noticed.
William seemed to know a lot about Iorlainn and the fairies, but he chose to stay alone, wandering in places Elizabeth didn't know. In the evenings, when her heart was heavy with an inexplicable longing, she roamed among the fairy dwellings. Though she wasn't certain, deep down she harboured a secret hope of crossing paths with William. A part of her ached to be in his presence, even though she would never dare to confess it aloud.
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Despite these brief moments of wistfulness, Elizabeth's days were filled with bliss. She enjoyed exploring the fairy kingdom, admiring its beautiful nature, which was more vivid and fresh than in the human world. One day, she saw a meadow, its crisp grass shimmering in all hues of green. Beyond it lay a forest. The shadows among the trees looked mysterious, as if promising new adventures. Without a second thought, Elizabeth dashed across the meadow. The grass tickled her feet in light sandals as she moved faster and faster, enjoying the run.
Stepping under the spreading canopies, Elizabeth halted in wonder, completely captivated by the forest's untouched beauty. The setting sun painted the towering trees in golden hues, creating elongated shadows on the forest floor. A light breeze brushed against Elizabeth's face, lifting her spirits. With a newfound sense of freedom, she moved with ease, her dress flowing gracefully around her.
